Remote generator controller system and devices

ABSTRACT

A system is disclosed which includes a remote generator interface controller and a generator interface device. The generator interface device receives generator operation information and transmits the generator operation information to the remote generator interface controller. The remote generator controller device includes a processor, a screen, and a wireless receiver connected wirelessly to receive generator operation information from the generator interface device connected to a generator. The generator interface device includes a processor connected to a generator which receives generator operation information from at least one of a generator computer and a generator sensor and a transmitter connected wirelessly to transmit the generator operation information wirelessly from the generator interface device to the remote generator controller device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/047,886, filed Jul. 27, 2018 entitled “Remote GeneratorController Systems and Devices,” which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, including but not limited to those portionsthat specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by referencebeing made with the following exception: In the event that any portionof the above-referenced application is inconsistent with thisapplication, this application supersedes said portion of saidabove-referenced application.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to a system for transmitting generatoroperation information to a monitoring location for processing andmonitoring the data. More specifically, the system disclosed herein mayboth transmit and receive information representative of generatoroperation information from a generator controller and receiveinformation at a control center to provide generator operationinformation to a remote user. The system may include one or more deviceswhich facilitate transmitting generator operation information from agenerator and receiving the generator operation information at a controlcenter.

2. Description of the Related Art

Throughout history, the spread of access to electricity has changed theway humans live faster and more drastically than virtually any otherdiscovery arguably since man mastered the use of fire. So great was thedemand for electricity, that dams were built in previously unthinkableplaces to power electrical turbines to produce electricity. Electricalwires were soon strung or buried across virtually every continent. Evenso, electrical power from an electrical grid is still not availableeverywhere it is desired.

Today, electrical power is still not available in remote locations,where quarries, mines, logging, cement plants, ranches, farms, and othersimilar activities take place. Further, even if electrical power isavailable, it is not available in high enough amperages to powerelectrically powered equipment associated with quarries, mines, logging,cement plants, ranches, farms, and other similar activities take place.Due to the desire for electricity in remote locations, fuel basedelectrical generators were developed to generate electricity from fuel.

Today, diesel fuel generators are ubiquitous in remote locations. Thatis electrical generators have been developed with internal fuel tanksthat operate a fuel based engine to create the necessary rotation togenerate electricity via an alternator, or similar device. Diesel fuelhas been determined to be a cost efficient way of generating electricalpower in generators because diesel engines tend to have a significantserviceable lifespan, diesel fuel is readily available, and the ratio ofelectricity produced to fuel consumed is relatively lower for dieselfuel than for other types of fuels.

Thus, generators, particularly diesel generators, have become thebackbone of many remote locations providing electricity for not only theequipment necessary to perform a particular job, but also for theworkers to have light in their shelters, cook their food, and run pumpsthat provide drinking water. Unfortunately, diesel generators, asreliable as they are, sometimes fail, often at inopportune times.Further, due to the remoteness of the locations where diesel generatorsare frequently used, obtaining new parts, and finding a technician toinstall them can be a long, time consuming, and expensive process. Also,many of the breakdowns that do occur in generators could have beenprevented if someone knew that a potential problem was developing.

Conventional maintenance for fuel based generators is performed on an“engine hours” basis. That is, for every so many hours of operation thegenerator (engine hours), certain maintenance must be performed. Forexample, a manufacturer may suggest replacing a generator air filterevery 100 engine hours to ensure that the generator has adequate airflow to facilitate chemical combustion in the engine. In somecircumstances, a technician may be able to use an OBD II scanner toconnect to a generator and obtain coded information about engineoperation. Some late model generators include gauges which provideinformation about the motor and electrical output of the generator.However, obtaining coded information through an OBD II scanner or fromthe generator itself is largely impractical for a variety of reasons.First, information retrieved from an OBD II scanner is coded and must bedecoded to be interpreted, which takes significant time and cost.Second, it is impractical for a technician to visually monitor thegauges on the generator during use. Many generators are run twenty fourhours a day, seven days a week for months at a time, only shutting downfor routine maintenance or occasional refueling. Moreover, manygenerators are placed at a location that is relatively distant fromother machines to reduce exposure to dust and to reduce noise in acertain locality. It is equally impractical for a technician to travelfrom one generator to the next constantly on a site to determine if anyof the gauges or the OBD II scanner reveals that the generator is aboutto malfunction.

Finally, when generators fail without warning, operators experience highcosts in downtime. For example, in a cement plant, various generatorsmay provide electrical power to conveyor belts which move rocks of alarger size into rock crushers to create successively smaller rocks foruse in concrete. However, when one generator fails, one of the conveyorbelts may lose electrical power and also fail. However, since othergenerators are still operating, a previous conveyor belt or a rockcrusher may still be depositing rocks into a hopper of the disabledconveyor belt. This accumulation of rocks may prevent the conveyor beltfrom restarting because of the weight of the rocks in the hopper. Inother words, the conveyor belt may be jammed due to excessive weight onthe conveyor belt. Even if the generator requires only a simple fixwhich can be performed in mere minutes, it may take hours to manuallyunload the hopper on the generator. An entire production line may beshut down for a day, or longer, because a generator unexpectedly failed.Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars,in some cases, can be lost because of a generator failure.

It is therefore one object of this disclosure to provide an interfaceand transmitter device which may receive generator operation informationfrom a generator and transmit the generator operation information to acontrol device. It is another object of this disclosure to provide areceiver device which receives generator operation information from theinterface and transmitter device. It is another object of thisdisclosure to provide a control device which processes generatoroperation information received by the receiver device and communicatedto the control device. It is a further object of this disclosure toprovide the processed generator operation information on a display foruser monitoring and interaction.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a system is disclosed which includes a remotegenerator interface controller and a generator interface device. Thegenerator interface device receives generator operation information andtransmits the generator operation information to the remote generatorinterface controller.

Further disclosed herein is a remote generator controller device. Theremote generator controller device includes a processor, a screen, and awireless receiver connected wirelessly to receive generator operationinformation from the generator interface device connected to agenerator.

Also disclosed herein is a generator interface device. The generatorinterface device includes a processor connected to a generator whichreceives generator operation information from at least one of agenerator computer and a generator sensor and a transmitter connectedwirelessly to transmit the generator operation information wirelesslyfrom the generator interface device to the remote generator controllerdevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the remotegenerator dashboard system and devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a remote generatordashboard system operating in an exemplary cement plant environment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system level implementation of a remotegenerator dashboard system.

FIG. 3 illustrates various elements of a control device and receivertransmitter/device associated with the remote generator dashboardsystem.

FIG. 4 illustrates various elements of a generator interface device andinformation transmitter device.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface for the control device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second exemplary user interface for the controldevice.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third exemplary user interface for the controldevice.

FIG. 8 illustrates various hardware elements of the control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific techniques and embodiments are set forth, such asparticular techniques and configurations, in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the device disclosed herein. While the techniques andembodiments will primarily be described in context with the accompanyingdrawings, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that thetechniques and embodiments may also be practiced in other similardevices.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments,examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings torefer to the same or like parts. It is further noted that elementsdisclosed with respect to particular embodiments are not restricted toonly those embodiments in which they are described. For example, anelement described in reference to one embodiment or figure, may bealternatively included in another embodiment or figure regardless ofwhether or not those elements are shown or described in anotherembodiment or figure. In other words, elements in the figures may beinterchangeable between various embodiments disclosed herein, whethershown or not.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a remote generatordashboard system 100 operating in an exemplary cement plant environment.A cement plant may include, for example, a first conveyor belt 102 whichincludes a hopper 104 for receiving rocks 120 of a first size. Conveyorbelt 102 may include a conveyor control device 106 which may controlvarious functionalities of the conveyor belt, e.g., belt speed, on/off,etc. Conveyor belt 102 is typically operates using electricity providedby generator 108.

Generator 108 may generate electricity by converting chemical fuel intoelectricity by, for example, a diesel motor stored in compartment 110.Generator 108 may provide an emergency shutoff button 112 and mayinclude one or more interface elements 114 which allow a user to controlvarious functionalities of the generator. Generator 108 may include aninterface device 116 which may retrieve generator operation informationfrom generator 108 and a transmitter device 118 which transmits thegenerator operation information from generator 108 to a remote generatorcontroller device, which will be discussed below.

Interface device 116 may be connected to generator 108 using anysuitable connection. Interface device 116 may obtain generator operationinformation from generator 108 that includes information such asoperational status (on/off), engine hours, average rotations per minuteof a motor, current rotations per minute of a motor, electrical outputfrequency, generator load, average output voltage, fuel pressure, fuelstorage level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, oil level, batteryvoltage, current output, motor temperature, airflow, and any otherinformation that may be relevant to operation of generator 108.Interface device 116 may provide the generator operation information totransmitter device 118 which may transmit the generator operationinformation from generator 108 to a remote generator device, as will bediscussed below.

As conveyor belt 102 receives electricity generated by generator 108,via electrical connection 124, conveyor belt 102 carries rocks 120 of afirst size up the conveyor 102 by successively higher supports 122. Itis noted that conveyor 102 may simply carry rocks of a first size 120from one location to another without raising the level of conveyor 102by successively higher supports 122. Conveyor 102 may be flat or angleddown. However, merely for purposes of description, conveyor 102 includessupports 122 which raise conveyor 102 from a first end to a second endwhich is raised higher than the first end. Rocks of a first size 120 arecarried by conveyor into hopper 126 which feeds a rock crusher 128. Rockcrusher 128 may also operate by receiving electrical power and using avariety of mill wheels, grinding wheels, hammers, or other devices tobreak rocks of a first size 120 into rocks 144 of a second size, smallerthan rocks of a first size 120.

Generator 132 may be similar to generator 108, discussed above, andgenerate electricity by converting chemical fuel into electricity by,for example, a diesel motor stored in compartment 134. Generator 132 mayprovide an emergency shutoff button 136 and may include one or moreinterface elements 138 which allow a user to control variousfunctionalities of the generator. Generator 132 may include an interfacedevice 140 which may retrieve generator operation information fromgenerator 132 and a transmitter device 142 which transmits the generatoroperation information from generator 132 to a remote generatorcontroller device, which will be discussed below.

Interface device 140 may be connected to generator 132 using anysuitable connection. Interface device 140 may obtain generator operationinformation from generator 132 that includes information such asoperational status (on/off), engine hours, average rotations per minuteof a motor, current rotations per minute of a motor, electrical outputfrequency, generator load, average output voltage, fuel pressure, fuelstorage level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, oil level, batteryvoltage, current output, motor temperature, airflow, and any otherinformation that may be relevant to operation of generator 132.Interface device 140 may provide the generator operation information totransmitter device 142 which may transmit the generator operationinformation from generator 132 to a remote generator device, as will bediscussed below.

Rock crusher 128 receives electricity generated by generator 132, viaelectrical connection 130, and mills, grinds, or breaks rocks of a firstsize 120 into rocks of a second size 144, smaller than rocks of a firstsize 120. Rocks of a second size 144 may be disposed onto a conveyorbelt 150 which includes a conveyor control device 146 which may be usedto control various functionality of conveyor 150. Conveyor 150 may carryrocks of a second size 144 up conveyor 150 by successively highersupports 148, although supports 148 need not be successively higher andmay simply be equal in height or may be implemented as successivelylower supports 148. However, for purposes of description in FIG. 1,conveyor belt 150 is shown as including successively higher supports 150to carry rocks of a second size out of rock crusher 128.

As before with conveyor 102, conveyor 150 requires electrical power tooperate. Thus, conveyor 150 is connected to generator 154 by electricalconnection 152. Generator 154 may be similar to generator 108 andgenerator 132, discussed above, and generate electricity by convertingchemical fuel into electricity by, for example, a diesel motor stored incompartment 156. Generator 154 may provide an emergency shutoff button158 and may include one or more interface elements 160 which allow auser to control various functionalities of the generator. Generator 154may include an interface device 162 which may retrieve generatoroperation information from generator 154 and a transmitter device 164which transmits the generator operation information from generator 154to a remote generator controller device, which will be discussed below.

Interface device 162 may be connected to generator 154 using anysuitable connection. Interface device 162 may obtain generator operationinformation from generator 154 that includes information such asoperational status (on/off), engine hours, average rotations per minuteof a motor, current rotations per minute of a motor, electrical outputfrequency, generator load, average output voltage, fuel pressure, fuelstorage level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, oil level, batteryvoltage, current output, motor temperature, airflow, and any otherinformation that may be relevant to operation of generator 154.Interface device 162 may provide the generator operation information totransmitter device 164 which may transmit the generator operationinformation from generator 154 to a remote generator controller device,as will be discussed below.

Conveyor belt 150 may move rocks of a second size 144 into a hopper 166that may feed a second rock crusher, another conveyor belt or anotherdevice as necessary to create cement in the cement plant. FIG. 1illustrates three consecutive dots which identify that further devicesmay be implemented as necessary. Further, various different sitesperforming various different activities may have different mechanicaland electrical needs. Mines, logging sites, farms, ranches, and otherlocations may require the use of different electrically operatedequipment that is generated by one or more generators. FIG. 1 merelyillustrates a simple example of a cement plant for explanatory purposes.

The cement plant illustrated in FIG. 1, or any other similar sites, mayprovide a control center 168 which allows a user to monitor the progressof material through, for example, conveyor belt 102, rock crusher 128,and conveyor belt 150. In many situations, controls for conveyor belt102, rock crusher 128, and conveyor belt 150 may be connected to aremote controller, such as controller 176, controller 178, andcontroller 180, by wire 170, wire 172, and wire 174. Remote controller176 may, for example, be connected to conveyor control device 106 bywire 170 and allow a user to adjust a speed, turn conveyor 150 on/off,or include an emergency stop. Remote controller 178 may, for example, beconnected to rock crusher 128 by wire 172 and allow a user to turn rockcrusher 128 on/off or include an emergency stop. Remote controller 180may, for example, be connected to conveyor control device 146 by wire174 and allow a user to adjust a speed, turn conveyor 150 on/off, orinclude an emergency stop.

Generator 108, generator 132, and generator 154 may connect by wirelessconnection 188, wireless connection 190, and wireless connection 192 toremote generator controller device 182. Remote generator controllerdevice 182 may include controller/receiver 184 (which will be discussedin more detail below) and receive generator operation information fromtransmitter device 118, transmitter device 142, and transmitter device164 of generator 108, generator 132, and generator 154, respectively.Generator operation information received by remote generator controllerdevice 182 may be provided to a user via remote generator controllerdevice 182. Remote generator controller device 182 may include a powerinput 186 to provide power for operation of remote generator controllerdevice 182. It should be noted that remote generator controller device182 may be located in any convenient location. For example, remotegenerator controller device 154 may be located in a front-end loader (orany other piece of equipment) which is loading material into a hopper,such as hopper 104, to allow an operator of the front end loader tomonitor the operational condition of one or more generators (such asgenerator 108, generator 132, and generator 154) while loading materialinto hopper 104.

As will be further discussed below, remote generator controller device182 may detect problems in generator 108, generator 132, and generator154 before a generator is forced to shut down by, for example, a currentlimiter circuit, and manually stop other parts of the system such thatmaterial does not jam conveyor belt 102, rock crusher 128, and conveyorbelt 150, for example.

In one exemplary circumstance, for purposes of illustration anddescription only, remote generator controller device 182 may detect anexcess current draw in generator 132 and immediately shut down conveyorbelt 102, rock crusher 128, and conveyor belt 150 to identify the causeof the excess current draw. Upon examination, for example, a user maydetermine that a broken iron tool became lodged between milling wheels,causing rock crusher 128 to draw additional current from generator 132in an attempt to continue spinning milling wheels. However, since theuser was able to shut down conveyor belt 102, rock crusher 128, andconveyor belt 150, none of hopper 104, hopper 126, or hopper 166 becamejammed with excess material. Thus, once the broken tool is removed fromrock crusher 128, conveyor belt 102, rock crusher 128, and conveyor belt150 may be restarted without significant downtime for the cement plant.If hopper 104, hopper 126, or hopper 166 became jammed by material, suchas rocks or dirt, a substantial amount of manual labor and time may berequired to dislodge the jam. A costly delay in concrete production maybe so avoided because early information that a problem existed ingenerator 132 was identified before the problem could cause generator132 to automatically shut down.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system level implementation of a remotegenerator dashboard system 200. Remote generator dashboard system 200includes a generator controller device 202 which interfaces withgenerator 204. Generator controller device 202 may include a screen 206which may provide generator operation information to a user and allowthe user to interact with generator controller device 202. Remotegenerator controller device 202 may further include areceiver/transmitter 208 to receive and transmit information from remotegenerator controller device 202 to generator 204, as will be describedbelow. Remote generator controller device 202 may further include one ormore electrical components 210 to regulate input voltage and inputcurrent received through wire 212 and 120V (or 240V) AC plug 214.Electrical components 210 may be implemented as necessary to receivepower using standard input power available in different countries (e.g.120V or 240V power). While remote generator controller device 202 isshown in FIG. 2 as receiving AC power, remote generator controllerdevice 202 may be battery powered, using appropriate batteries.

Generator 204 includes a base 216 which may be implemented in a mannerthat allows generator 204 to be dragged from one position to another.For example, various connection points may be installed in base 216which may be chained to, for example, an excavator, a front end loader,a bull dozer, a truck, or other vehicle to drag generator 204 from onelocation to another. Generator 204 may include an access door 218 whichprovides access to an internal motor, a fuel storage, and othercomponents of generator 204. Access door 218 may include vents 220 toallow fresh air to be drawn into generator 204. Access door 218 mayfurther include a latch 222 which may secure access door 218 in a closedposition or which may release to allow a user to open access door 218.Generator 204 may further include a controller door 224 which providesaccess to various generator controls. Controller door 224 may include anopening to provide interface elements 226 for providing a user withcontrol over generator 204. Interface elements 226 may include a screen,screen interface buttons and a keyhole 228 for receiving a key in a keyswitch to start and stop generator 204. Alternatively, interfaceelements, such as screen 226 may be provided only by opening controllerdoor 224 via latch 230.

Regardless, disposed within controller door 224 of generator 204, are agenerator interface device 234 and a receiver/transmitter 232. Generatorinterface device 234 may connect to one or more information ports (notshown in FIG. 2) provided by generator 204 or generator sensors (notshown in FIG. 2) to receive generator operation information fromgenerator 204. As before, generator operation information may includeinformation such as operational status (on/off), engine hours, averagerotations per minute of a motor, current rotations per minute of amotor, electrical output frequency, generator load, average outputvoltage, fuel pressure, fuel storage level, coolant temperature, oilpressure, oil level, battery voltage, current output, motor temperature,airflow, and any other information that may be relevant to operation ofgenerator 204. Generator operation information may be transmitted viatransmitter/receiver 232 to generator controller device 202 to beprovided to a user at a remote location via screen 206. Generator 204may further include an emergency shut down button 236.

Generator interface device 234 and transmitter/receiver 232 may includehardware components may include a combination of Central ProcessingUnits (“CPUs”), buses, volatile and non-volatile memory devices, storageunits, non-transitory computer-readable media, data processors,processing devices, control devices transmitters, receivers, antennas,transceivers, input devices, output devices, network interface devices,and other types of components that are apparent to those skilled in theart. Generator interface device 234 and transmitter/receiver 232 mayalso include software and hardware modules, sequences of instructions,routines, data structures, display interfaces, and other types ofstructures that execute interface operations. In one embodiment,transmitter/receiver 232 may transmit and receive information by awireless connection 238 established between transmitter/receiver 232 ingenerator 204 and transmitter/receiver 208 in remote generatorcontroller 202. In one embodiment, transmitter/receiver 232 in generator204 and transmitter/receiver 208 in remote generator controller 202 mayhave a wireless communication range of approximately 4 miles(approximately 6.4 km). Transmitter/receiver 232 in generator 204 andtransmitter/receiver 208 in remote generator controller 202 maycommunicate using radio frequency communication. However, any suitablecommunication connection may be implemented including any wired,wireless, cellular based, or internet based connections. Examples ofthese various communication connections include internet basedcommunication protocols Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, RF4CE, Ethernet,telephone line, cellular channels, or others that operate in accordancewith protocols defined in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers) 802.11, 801.11a, 801.11b, 801.11e, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802.11i,802.11n, 802.16, 802.16d, 802.16e, or 802.16m using any network typeincluding a wide-area network (“WAN”), a local-area network (“LAN”), a2G network, a 3G network, a 4G network, a Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network,Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, Wideband CDMA (WCDMA)network, any type of satellite or cellular network, or any otherappropriate protocol to facilitate communication betweentransmitter/receiver 232 in generator 204 and transmitter/receiver 208in remote generator control device 202 or vice versa.

In one example, generator interface device 234 may detect a fault ingenerator 204 which may be transmitted to remote generator controldevice 202 for display on screen 206. In response, a user may interactwith screen 206 to send an emergency stop command to generator 204 viatransmitter/receiver 208 in remote generator control device 202 totransmitter/receiver 232 in generator 204. Transmitter/receiver 232 ingenerator 204 may provide the emergency stop command to generator 204via generator interface device 234 which causes generator 204 to shutdown virtually instantaneously. A technician may then review generatoroperation information provided to remote generator control device 202and inspect generator 204, or associated devices, to determine the causeof the fault.

FIG. 3 illustrates various elements of a control device 306 andtransmitter/receiver device 314 associated with the remote generatorcontroller device 300 of a remote generator dashboard system, such asremote generator dashboard system 200, shown in FIG. 2. Remote generatorcontroller device 300 may be implemented as a hinged box which may havea top portion 302 and a bottom portion 304. Top portion 302 may includea controller 306. Controller 306 may include power connectors andinformation connectors 308 in addition to other connectors forinterfacing with a screen (not shown in FIG. 3). Controller 306 mayinclude hardware components may include a combination of CentralProcessing Units (“CPUs”), buses, volatile and non-volatile memorydevices, storage units, non-transitory computer-readable media, dataprocessors, processing devices, control devices transmitters, receivers,antennas, transceivers, input devices, output devices, network interfacedevices, and other types of components that are apparent to thoseskilled in the art. In addition, controller 306 may provide a screenaccessible to a user. Wire 310 may connect controller 306 to both powerand information from bottom portion 304, as will be described below.

Bottom portion 304 may include transmitter/receiver device 314 which maycommunicate with other devices, which will be shown and described belowwith respect to FIG. 4, transmitter/receiver device 314 may transmitreceived information to controller 306 via wire 310. Further,transmitter/receiver device 314 may receive power in appropriatevoltages through power regulator 318. Power regulator 318 may receive AC(alternating current) electricity via a power port 324 which connects towire 326 and receives AC electricity via plug 328. Power regulator 318may be implemented as a circuit breaker device, a fuse, a power supply,or any other device known in the art. Further, while power regulator 318is illustrated in FIG. 3 as being connected by wire 320 to rectifier/DCvoltage regulator 312, rectifier/DC voltage regulator 312 and powerregulator 312 may be implemented together in a single housing ofelectrical components. Power regulator 318 may receive AC electricityand ensure that a current input is below an acceptable threshold forrectifier/DC voltage regulator 312. Power regulator 318 may then provideelectricity to rectifier/DC voltage regulator 312 which may be convertedfrom AC electricity to DC (direct current) electricity and regulated toan appropriate voltage level to operate controller 306 andtransmitter/receiver 314.

It should be noted that remote generator controller device 300 may beimplemented with a battery back up in case AC electricity supplied toremote generator controller device 300 fails. Further, remote generatorcontroller device 300 may, via transmitter/receiver 314, interface withone or a plurality of generators simultaneously, or virtuallysimultaneously (as shown in FIG. 1). In other words, remote generatorcontroller device 300 may receive generator operation information fromeach generator in intervals of less than 10 seconds, for example, suchthat a change in generator operation information can be immediatelydetected and reported to a user. Transmitter/receiver 314 may furtherinclude an antenna 316 which may extend a wireless communication rangefor transmitter/receiver 314 to approximately 4 miles (6.5 km). Inanother embodiment, a remote generator controller device 300 may beprovided for an individual generator individually using a serializedconnection to ensure that only the remote generator controller device300 may be used with remote generator controller device 300. Wire 322may receive power from rectifier/DC voltage regulator 312 and provide DCelectricity to transmitter/receiver 314.

FIG. 4 illustrates various elements of an interface 400 which includes agenerator interface device 402 and information transmitter/receiverdevice 404. Generator interface device 402 may include a processor 406and implement a combination of Central Processing Units (“CPUs”), buses,volatile and non-volatile memory devices, storage units, non-transitorycomputer-readable media, data processors, processing devices, controldevices transmitters, receivers, antennas, transceivers, input devices,output devices, network interface devices, and other types of componentsthat are apparent to those skilled in the art.

Generator interface device 402 may further include a power connector 408which may receive electrical power in a variety of ways. As shown inFIG. 4, power connector 408 implements ground connection 410, a positivevoltage connection 412, and a negative voltage connection 414 to receivepower in a DC electrical environment. However, a variety ofimplementations are possible in both a DC electrical environment and anAC electrical environment. Electrical power supplied to connector 408may be derived from a battery in a generator or may be obtained throughan interface connection with the generator.

Generator interface device 402 may further include a generator sensorinformation connector 416, a generator computer information connector418, and an information connector 420 for sending information totransmitter/receiver device 426. Information connector 416 may receivegenerator sensor information from a generator sensor 422 which may beprovided to processor 406. Generator sensor information may be anyinformation that is obtained from a sensor in a generator. For example,an over current sensor, a battery voltage sensor, or other sensor in agenerator may directly interface with generator interface device 402.

Information connector 418 may receive information from a generatorcomputer 424 which may be provided to processor 406. Generator computer424 may provide real time generator operation information to processor406. Generator computer 424 may be a computer which controls theoperation of a generator. Generator interface device 402 may receive theinformation from generator sensor 422 and/or generator computer 424 andprovide generator operation information (which includes generator sensorinformation) to transmitter/receiver 404 via a wire disposed betweeninformation connector 420 and connector 426 on transmitter/receiver 404.

Transmitter/receiver 404 may include a hardware for transmitting andreceiving information wirelessly using any of the informationcommunication and transmission protocols discussed above.Transmitter/receiver 404 receives generator operation information fromgenerator interface device 402 and wirelessly transmits the informationto a remote generator controller device, such as remote generatorcontroller device 300, shown in FIG. 3. Transmitter/receiver 404 mayfurther include an antenna 428 which may extend a wireless communicationrange for transmitter/receiver 404 to approximately 4 miles (6.5 km).

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface 500 for the remotegenerator controller device 502 which may be similar in implementationand description to other remote generator controller devices disclosedherein. As shown in FIG. 5, a remote generator controller device 502provides a screen 504. Screen 504 may be implemented as a touch screenor another type of screen that uses a tactile element (e.g., a touchpad) or peripheral device (e.g., a mouse) to interface with a user.

User interface 500 includes an engine hours icon 506 and an identifier508 of “engine hours” to display to a user that a generator, forexample, has operated for 3641.4 hours. Additionally, user interface 500may include button elements 510 which provide a user with an ability toprovide input into remote generator controller device 502. Buttonelement 510 may implement an emergency stop 512 which, when pressed, maysend a command to a generator interface device, such as generatorinterface device 402, shown in FIG. 4, to shut down immediately. Userinterface 500 may further include information elements, such asinformation element 514 which provide information to a user about agenerator or information currently displayed on a screen. As shown inFIG. 5, information element 514 provides information 516 that the screenbeing shown is a “remote generator dashboard.” Information element 514may begin to flash, emit sounds, or otherwise notify a user whengenerator operation information changes in a manner that indicates apotential problem may arise.

User interface 500 may further allow a user to select other userinterfaces that the user wishes to access. For example, user interfacebutton 518, when interacted with, may cause remote generator controllerdevice 500 to update graphical user interface 500 with another graphicaluser interface, such as those that will be discussed below, or others.Button 518 may provide engine information about a generator in a newuser interface. Similarly, user interface button 520, when interactedwith, may cause remote generator controller device 500 to updategraphical user interface 500 with a second graphical user interface.User interface button 520, may provide master information aboutdifferent generators in the system or provide master control over aparticular generator, for example.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second exemplary user interface 600 for the remotegenerator controller device 602. Remote generator controller device 602may be similar in implementation and description to other remotegenerator controller devices disclosed herein and provide a screen 604.Screen 604 may be implemented as a touch screen or another type ofscreen that uses a tactile element (e.g., a touch pad) or peripheraldevice (e.g., a mouse) to interface with a user.

User interface 600 may provide a number of generator electricalinformation elements such as generator information element 606.Generator information element 606 provides information related to anaverage number of rotations per minute for a generator in a bar graphstyle information graph. Generator information element 608 providesnumerical information for a generator's current average number ofrotations per minute. Generator information element 610 providesinformation related to a frequency of electrical output for a generatorin a bar graph style information graph. Generator information element612 provides numerical information for a generator's current frequencyof electrical output for the generator. Generator information element614 provides information related to a percentage of generator electricalload that may be output by a generator in a bar graph style informationgraph. Generator information element 616 provides numerical informationfor a generator's current electrical load. Finally, generatorinformation element 618 provides information related to an averagevoltage output by the generator in a bar graph style information graph.Generator information element 620 provides numerical information for agenerator's average voltage output. In one embodiment, one or more ofinformation elements 606-620 may flash or change colors to indicate to auser that a certain electrical characteristic or generator outputcondition may have the potential to cause a problem or indicate a faultin the generator.

User interface 600 may further provide navigation elements, such asnavigation element 622 and navigation element 624 which allow a user toscroll through different user interfaces to obtain the desiredinformation.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third exemplary user interface 700 for remotegenerator controller device 702. Remote generator controller device 702may be similar in implementation and description to other remotegenerator controller devices disclosed herein and provide a screen 704.Screen 704 may be implemented as a touch screen or another type ofscreen that uses a tactile element (e.g., a touch pad) or peripheraldevice (e.g., a mouse) to interface with a user.

User interface 700 may provide a number of generator motor informationelements such as generator information element 706. Generatorinformation element 706 provides information related to a fuel pressurein a bar graph style information graph. Generator information element708 provides numerical information for a fuel pressure. Generatorinformation element 710 provides information related to a coolanttemperature for a motor in a generator in a bar graph style informationgraph. Generator information element 712 provides numerical informationfor a coolant temperature for a motor in a generator for the generator.Generator information element 714 provides information related to an oilpressure in a motor of a generator in a bar graph style informationgraph. Generator information element 716 provides numerical informationfor an oil pressure in a motor of a generator. Finally, generatorinformation element 718 provides information related to a batteryvoltage for a generator in a bar graph style information graph.Generator information element 720 provides numerical information for abattery voltage for a generator. In one embodiment, one or more ofinformation elements 706-720 may flash or change colors to indicate to auser that a certain electrical characteristic or generator outputcondition may have the potential to cause a problem or indicate a faultin the generator.

User interface 700 may further provide navigation elements, such asnavigation element 722 and navigation element 724 which allow a user toscroll through different user interfaces to obtain the desiredinformation.

FIG. 8 illustrates various hardware elements of the remote generatorcontroller device 800, such as those remote generator controller devicesdisclosed herein. Remote generator controller device 800 may include orutilize a special purpose or general-purpose computer, includingcomputer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors andsystem memory, as discussed in greater detail below. Implementationswithin the scope of the present disclosure may also include physical andother computer-readable media for carrying or storingcomputer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Suchcomputer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special purpose computer system.Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions arecomputer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carrycomputer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way ofexample, and not limitation, implementations of the disclosure cancomprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readablemedia: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media.

Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM,solid state drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., based on RAM), Flash memory,phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium which can be used to store desired program code means inthe form of computer-executable instructions or data structures andwhich can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable thetransport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modulesand/or other electronic devices. In an implementation, a remotegenerator controller device and a generator interface device may benetworked in order to communicate with each other, and other components,connected over the network to which they are connected. When informationis transferred or provided over a network or another communicationsconnection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired orwireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as atransmission medium. Transmissions media can include a network and/ordata links, which can be used to carry desired program code means in theform of computer-executable instructions or data structures and whichcan be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program codein the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures thatcan be transferred automatically from transmission media to computerstorage media (devices) (or vice versa). For example,computer-executable instructions or data structures received over anetwork or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interfacemodule (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventually transferred to computersystem RAM and/or to less volatile computer storage media (devices) at acomputer system. RAM can also include solid state drives. Thus, itshould be understood that computer storage media (devices) can beincluded in computer system components that also (or even primarily)utilize transmission media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing deviceto perform a certain function or group of functions. The computerexecutable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediateformat instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the described features or acts described above.Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example formsof implementing the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the remote generatorcontroller device may be implemented in many types of computingenvironments with many types of computer system configurations,including, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers,message processors, control units, camera control units, hand-helddevices, hand pieces, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches,various storage devices, and the like. The disclosure may also bepracticed in distributed system environments where local and remotecomputer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links,wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless datalinks) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed systemenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Further, where appropriate, functions described herein can be performedin one or more of: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, oranalog components. For example, one or more application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)can be programmed to carry out one or more of the systems and proceduresdescribed herein. Certain terms are used throughout the followingdescription and claims to refer to particular system components. As oneskilled in the art will appreciate, components may be referred to bydifferent names. This document does not intend to distinguish betweencomponents that differ in name, but not function.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a remote generator controllerdevice 800. Remote generator controller device 800 may be used toperform various procedures, such as those discussed herein. Remotegenerator controller device 800 may function as a server, a client, orany other computing entity. Remote generator controller device 800 canperform various monitoring functions as discussed herein, and canexecute one or more application programs, such as the applicationprograms described herein. Remote generator controller device 800 can beany of a wide variety of computing devices, such as a desktop computer,a notebook computer, a server computer, a handheld computer, tabletcomputer and the like.

Remote generator controller device 800 includes one or more processor(s)804, one or more memory device(s) 806, one or more interface(s) 812, oneor more mass storage device(s) 820, one or more Input/Output (I/O)device(s) 826, and a display device 828 all of which are coupled to abus 802. Processor(s) 804 include one or more processors or controllersthat execute instructions stored in memory device(s) 806 and/or massstorage device(s) 820. Processor(s) 804 may also include various typesof computer-readable media, such as cache memory.

Memory device(s) 806 include various computer-readable media, such asvolatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) 808) and/ornonvolatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) 810). Memory device(s)806 may also include rewritable ROM, such as Flash memory.

Mass storage device(s) 820 include various computer readable media, suchas magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, optical disks, solid-state memory(e.g., Flash memory), and so forth. Remote generator controller device800 may include a hard disk drive 822. Various drives may also beincluded in mass storage device(s) 820 to enable reading from and/orwriting to the various computer readable media. Mass storage device(s)820 include removable media 824 and/or non-removable media.

I/O device(s) 826 include various devices that allow data and/or otherinformation to be input to or retrieved from remote generator controllerdevice 800. Example I/O device(s) 826 include digital imaging devices,electromagnetic sensors and emitters, cursor control devices, keyboards,keypads, microphones, monitors or other display devices, speakers,printers, network interface cards, modems, lenses, CCDs or other imagecapture devices, and the like.

Display device 828 includes any type of device capable of displayinginformation to one or more users of remote generator controller device800. Examples of display device 828 include a screen, a touch screen, amonitor, a display terminal, a video projection device, and the like.

Interface(s) 812 include various interfaces that allow remote generatorcontroller device 800 to interact with other systems, devices, orcomputing environments. Example interface(s) 812 may include userinterface elements 814. Other exemplary interface(s) may include anynumber of different network interfaces 816, such as interfaces to localarea networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, andthe Internet. Other interface(s) include a peripheral device interface818. The interface(s) 812 may also include one or more peripheralinterfaces such as interfaces for printers, pointing devices (mice,track pad, etc.), keyboards, and the like.

Bus 802 allows processor(s) 804, memory device(s) 806, interface(s) 812,mass storage device(s) 820, and I/O device(s) 826 to communicate withone another, as well as other devices or components coupled to bus 802.Bus 802 represents one or more of several types of bus structures, suchas a system bus, PCI bus, IEEE 1394 bus, USB bus, and so forth.

For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable programcomponents are shown herein as discrete blocks, although it isunderstood that such programs and components may reside at various timesin different storage components of remote generator controller device800, and are executed by processor(s) 804. Alternatively, the systemsand procedures described herein can be implemented in hardware, or acombination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, one ormore application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs) can be programmed to carry out one ormore of the systems and procedures described herein.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention tothe precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications andadaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the disclosedembodiments. For example, components described herein may be removed andother components added without departing from the scope or spirit of theembodiments disclosed herein or the appended claims.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the disclosuredisclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of theinvention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a remote generator interfacecontroller, and a generator interface device, wherein the generatorinterface device receives generator operation information and transmitsthe generator operation information to the remote generator interfacecontroller.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote generatorinterface controller includes a screen that displays the generatoroperation information.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the remotegenerator interface controller provides one or more interface buttons onthe screen.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more interfacebuttons on the screen include an emergency generator stop button.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein in response to receiving an indication ofinteraction with the emergency generator stop button, the remotegenerator interface controller transmits a generator shut down commandto the generator interface device.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theremote generator controller device includes one or more electricalcomponents to receive alternating current electricity and generatedirect current electricity.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thegenerator interface device receives information from a generator sensor.8. The system of claim 1, wherein the generator interface devicereceives information from a generator computer.
 9. The system of claim1, wherein the generator interface device is connected to a generator.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the generator interface device ishoused within a generator.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein theremote generator controller device is remote from the generator.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the remote generator controller devicereceives the generator operation information wirelessly.
 13. A remotegenerator controller device, comprising: a processor; a screen; awireless receiver connected wirelessly to receive generator operationinformation from a generator interface device connected to a generator.14. The remote generator controller device of claim 13, furthercomprising a wireless transmitter connected wirelessly to transmitcontrol information to a generator interface device connected to agenerator.
 15. The remote generator controller device of claim 13,further comprising a rectifier.
 16. The remote generator controllerdevice of claim 13, further comprising a battery.
 17. A generatorinterface device, comprising: a processor connected to a generator whichreceives generator operation information from at least one of agenerator computer and a generator sensor and a transmitter connectedwirelessly to transmit the generator operation information wirelesslyfrom the generator interface device to a remote generator controllerdevice.
 18. The generator interface device of claim 17, furthercomprising a receiver connected wirelessly to receive controlinformation from the remote generator controller device.
 19. Thegenerator interface device of claim 17, wherein generator operationinformation includes one or more of engine hours information, averagerotations per minute information, generator frequency information,generator load information, average voltage output information, fuelpressure information, coolant temperature information, oil pressureinformation, and battery information.
 20. The generator interface deviceof claim 17, further comprising one or more power connectors which areconnected to a generator battery.